That goes in my personal plus column. So for technically proficient skiers that dont end up in the backseat super often, I think the Mindbender 108Tis recommended mount point will feel nice. The Mindbender 108Tis combination of (1) a pretty traditional, rearward mount point, (2) fairly wide and not-very-tapered shovels, and (3) a soft flex in those shovels all equated to very good float for a ski thats only 108 mm wide. But then the Mindbender 108Ti ramps up in stiffness smoothly to a large section around the middle of the ski that is quite strong. If youre only skiing soft snow, you probably dont need a super strong, damp, or heavy ski. First K2 Ive seen in a long while that makes me say hmmmm, interesting. There are a few skis on the market that encourage more of a destroy the mountain mentality than the Mindbender 108Ti, but I think most skiers will find this ski to be very stable in chop. Love it. And in shallower cut up snow (less than 12) I would stay centered or get on the shovels a bit, and the ski was (for me) a nice combination of stable enough and playful enough to make the conditions fun. Hope someone finds this useful as it took me quite a lot of buying and selling gear to figure out the perfect combo so I can stop thinking about skis and actually enjoy skiing. To be fair, Ill post this quick update: Last spring, in March 2021, a new pair of these just, well, showed up. We discussed on our latest GEAR:30 podcast the origin of the line, the technology behind it, and how it came to be with K2s head ski designer, Jed Yeiser. Sorry for the delaybeen trying to find some people who have skied the 193. The womens Mindbender lineup will include the Mindbender 85, 88 Ti, 90C, 98 Ti, 106C, and 115C. Chock this up to K2s Torsional Control Design, the Mindbender 108Tis rocker profile, or witchcraft, but the Mindbender 108Ti does a really good job of blending stability and forgiveness. Do you have any insight into whether there would still be enough flotation and stability in a 172? And thats where I think a ski like this should excel when its not super deep, but everything is still soft and youre looking for stuff to jump off of and a soft runout to straight-line through. Luke Koppa (58, 155 lbs): At 108 mm wide, the Mindbender 108Ti isnt some dedicated pow ski (K2 makes the Mindbender 116C for really deep days). hey, do you think that this would be a good 50/50 ski? I am curious if you think I should stick to the same length as my previous ski, or increase to the 186s? I hope that 108ti was not made because such skis as Head Kore 105. (3) The Mindbender 108Ti has pretty soft shovels, so will they be a liability at high speeds, a benefit at slower speeds (and in deeper snow), or will we really notice them at all? The Rustlers measure shorter than the Mindbenders in their respective lengths, and combined with the heavier weight of the Mindbender and decreased tail rocker, I think the 186 would probably feel similar to the 192 cm Rustler, while the 193 cm Mindbender would probably feel significantly longer and more sluggish (particularly if you want to throw tricks). I am a pretty big guy 6 foot in boots, 210 pounds w/ gear. These freaks were made to run. Im going to see what K2 has to say, and will post back here. Remounted next day at the recommended line and they were perfect. The K2 Mindbender 108Ti combines a unique new construction with a more traditional shape, rocker profile, and weight. Its got less tip taper. And throughout all of those turn shapes, the Mindbender 108Ti maintained its calm, damp feel. Tight, steep chute? Thanks Luke, any word on the 193 108ti.? Many of the destroyer of mountains skis are very stable at speed, but are a huge pain in the ass to ski at slower speeds or in tight spaces plus, they are very punishing of mistakes. And in the case of K2, I dont see them talking about how it is simply the tech itself that has somehow changed the game here. With the Ti skis, K2 used a Y-shaped layer of titanal that extends over the edges of the ski in the shovel, spans edge-to-edge underfoot, and only sits over the center of the ski in the tail (see image below). Again, after four days. As someone who prefers skis with a more balanced feel, I ended up liking the ski best with the bindings at +2 (-7.75 cm from center). So if those skis have sounded or felt a bit too one-dimensional for you and you like to both carve and slarve your turns, then the Mindbender 108Tis level of playfulness might be what youre looking for. I think high intermediate, advanced, and expert skiers should have no problem with the 108Ti in tighter trees. 1) How will the Mindbender 108Ti perform in terms of jumping 1-3meters clifs, rocks, wind effected entrances? You tend to get your skis in the air often, whether that be on jumps or just when skiing through variable terrain (e.g., moguls, trees, steeps). Just curious which one you think would suit me best? (2) K2 is saying a lot about the Mindbender 108Tis stability, so just how stable is it compared to the other chargers out there? I was merely making an observation that the tech employed by K2 (which may well be effective) is nothing revolutionary. See our Deep Dive Comparisons to get a clearer sense of where wed locate this ski, but mostly, I would say that in firm chop and crud, what makes the 108Ti fun in those conditions is how relatively easy it is to pivot the ski and still ski pretty hard and fast with a dynamic style, and yet (as Luke notes) if you really want to slow down and pick your way through firm chop and crud, the ski accommodates that quite well, too. I was able to demo the 108ti in the 186 length which I enjoyed, but didnt have an opportunity to get into the trees or mess around in any bumps and also wasnt able to test a set of the 179s. The splay and sidecut lines look exactly like my preference, well the tip taper may be a bit much but skiing them is the proof in the pudding. First of all, I have no specific concerns per se with the Blister piece. K2 will also be making a junior Mindbender ski, the Mindbender Team, which is based on the Mindbender 108Ti, has a waist of 98 mm, and will be offered in 145, 155, 165 cm lengths. I was looking for a two ski quiver for a couple of years and think I finally found it with Mindbender 108. In bumps and trees, this ski feels lighter on my feet than it actually is, I think because it is so willing to pivot. Now lets take a look at the big-mountain charger of the group, the Mindbender 108Ti. This is also the furthest thing in the world from a complaint. They did this with two techniques their Titanal Y-Beam and Carbon Spectral Braid.. And thats probably not a coincidence you can listen to our podcast with Jed Yeiser for more on how the Supernatural 108 played a role in the design of the Mindbender 108Ti. And unlike many of the skis that are more stable than it, you dont have to be in attack mode all the time on the Mindbender 108Ti it still feels very comfortable when just cruising at mellow speeds. For decades I had K2 written off as a mass market consumer brand. Ski: 2021-2022 K2 Mindbender 108Ti, 186 cm, Blisters Measured Tip-to-Tail Length: 185.7 cm, Blisters Measured Weight per Ski: 2165 & 2211 grams, Blisters Measured Dimensions: 136.0-107.5-124.7 mm, Measured Tip & Tail Splay (ski decambered): 60 mm / 33.5 mm, Measured Traditional Camber Underfoot: ~4 mm, Core: Fir/Aspen + Titanal Y-Beam + Fiberglass Laminate, Factory Recommended Mount Point: -9.75 cm from center; 83.1 cm from tail, Boots / Bindings: Nordica Strider 120; Head Raptor 140 RS, Dalbello Lupo SP I.D. 6 with ski boots and 210 pounds with gear FYI. While what I was hoping for was a lighter weight Pettitor (that would let me ski it with my now sometimes suspect knee), this looks good. To your point, if it works, it works and thats the important thing. If youre coming from skis with a lot of tail rocker, youll probably find the Mindbender 108Ti to be a bit more work when it comes to making small turns in deep snow. And, obviously, it is much much better option in deep powder. I totally want that as a wallpaper! Do you have any advice about mounting point? So far the Rustler 10 has been the go to but the 108ti is on the radar. Especially in the varied terrain at Crested Butte, I really like that I can adjust my stance to the terrain. So if youre used to skis with mount points in the -9 to -12 range, I would be very surprised if you didnt get along with the 108Ti on the recommended line. Hope to see a deep dive between this, the Nordica 104 free, and eventually the new ON3P Woodsman. Big drops or deep variable snow? Luke: As weve mentioned before, playfulness is a complex concept skis can be playful in various ways. Im still leaning toward recommending the 186 due to the weight, measured length, and more directional shape & mount point of the Mindbender, and the fact that Jonathan (whos bigger than me at 510 ~180 lbs) liked the 186. The Mindbenders technology might be new, but the Mindbender 108Tis shape is not all that crazy by modern standards. Nothing Ive got in the garage, including the above-mentioned 200-day old Hell and Backs, looks 20% as bad as these do. When it gets really deep or if Im going for the backcountry powder Ill ski my 125mm/1800g Pescados with Shift bindings. The Mindbender 108Tis subtle taper and low rocker lines should equate to more effective edge than more heavily rockered and / or tapered skis like the ON3P Wrenegade 108 and Prior Husume. Are they comparable? Ive been demoing most of m last trips out but will be getting more than 10 days this season and will be buying in the next 2 weeks. Sam: Agreed. Whats your take on the mixed laminate/ cap construction? With the C skis, they used a carbon weave that has a denser, high-angle weave in the shovel which then progresses to a less dense, lower-angle weave as you move toward the tail of the ski. The Mindbender 108Ti has a bit of tip and tail taper, but not nearly as much as the K2 Pinnacle 105 Ti (which it effectively replaces). I am 510 advanced intermediate and enjoy playing all over the mountain. From Maine but do most skiing in Utah, closer and wellmore snow. >There are a few skis on the market that encourage more of a destroy the mountain mentality than the Mindbender 108Ti, but I think most skiers will find this ski to be very stable in chop.. Of the 108mm-wide skis Ive used, the Mindbender 108Ti is one of the better carvers. What skis did you use before the 192 Rustler 11? in this post, were gonna dive into the specifics of the entire line, what sets these skis apart from other models on the market, and take a closer look at the Mindbender 108Ti. Thanks for pointing me at this ski here, and in the buyers guide. But in terms of being able to release the tails into slashes, the Mindbender 108Ti is notably more playful than most straight-up chargers. What do you think is the main difference between the mindbender 108 and the armada tracer 108? It is pretty loose and happy to slash and break out of turns, but this is not a playful ski in most senses of the term. When we talk about a dynamic or active style, were basically talking about skiing with more finesse than brute force. Come from a racing backgorund but have been competing in a few FWQs. Anyone have time on the 193? But if freestyle performance is a priority and / or you ski with a neutral / centered stance, then Id recommend checking out other options in the All-Mountain Freestyle section of our Winter Buyers Guide. Become a Blister member now to check out this and all of our Flash Reviews, plus get exclusive deals and discounts on skis, and personalized gear recommendations from us. Sam: Ill have to dito Jonathan here, fortunately. And as more and more skis get lighter and lighter, the Mindbender 108Tis weight puts it closer to the heavier end of the spectrum. Become a Blister MemberorDeep Dive subscriberto check out ourDeep Dive of the Mindbender 108Ti to see how it stacks up against the Blizzard Cochise, ON3P Wrenegade 108, Prior Husume, Folsom Hammer, 4FRNT MSP 107, Black Crows Corvus, Faction Dictator 3.0, Head Kore 105, Moment Commander 108, Nordica Enforcer 110, and J Skis Metal. Thanks! This is not a ski that really requires you to muscle it around especially given its relative stability. The Mindbender 108Tis rocker profile isnt all that crazy, either. Interestingly enough, the Mindbender 108Tis rocker profile looks awfully similar to a now-deceased ski that we very much loved, the Line Supernatural 108. I think Im still leaning 186 since itll still be notably more damp and stable vs. the 188 cm Rustler 11 without being much more sluggish, but I think the 193 could work if you want this ski to be more of a charger and then you could let your Rustler 11 be your more playful ski. They do a great job of absorbing harsh impacts, yet the ski is strong enough so that I can drive it hard and keep it tracking. K2 says the Carbon Spectral Braid keeps skis lighter and more playful for conditions when power and damping are less important. Seeing as the carbon weave is used on the powder-oriented Mindbender 116C and 115C, that justification makes sense. Its not the heaviest ski in its class, but its far from the lightest. Yep, everyone at Blister spent time on the 186 cm. And in super deep chop, skiing the Mindbender 108Ti a bit more neutral / not pressuring the shovels as much helped alleviate the plowing effect. Im coming off a 178 cm twin tip ski and mainly focus on skiing off piste. Jonathan: Ive only been skiing it on the recommended line, and while I dont suspect that Id dislike it at +1 or +2, I also havent found myself in situations where I wished I was more forward on the ski (e.g., in CBs plentiful steep and techy terrain, where quick maneuverability is a valuable attribute). Thats not to say it doesnt work but its not this amazing new innovative technology which the K2 marketing machine is making it out to be, unlike Renouns HDT and Heads use of Graphene and Koroyd in the Kore skis which are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in ski engineering. Hopefully someone whos been on the 193 cm Mindbender 108 can chime in though. One interesting thing with the Mindbender series is that K2 says that they designed each ski independently in order to make it perform best for the conditions and styles in which itd be skied. But the main points seem to be the Mindbender 108Tis high-speed stability and its versatility across both soft and firm snow. This is probably the only thing on the Mindbender 108Ti that reminds us of K2s Pinnacle skis. Almost threw it into the trash :). Just wondering if the 186 will be enough ski when I want it to be. Ski it forward. Jonathan: Im going to focus on Lukes last paragraph I definitely wouldnt put the Mindbender 108Ti in the destroyer of mountains category. Ive been planning to order the 179 length as that was the closest size to my previous skis, but but Ive been used to a ski with more tail rocker than the K2 Mindbender 108. Really enjoy the detail and information in this review. But as I just talked about, its not a super demanding ski. But I also think that a broader range of skiers will find the 108Ti to be stable enough in chop, and far more versatile and less fatiguing than true destroyers. What skis would they be? If the snow wasnt super heavy, that non-very-tapered tip shape never felt hooky to me, but instead was easy to engage and very happy to slice clean, deep turns. The Mindbender 108Ti doesnt bend easily into super tight slalom turns, but its still pretty versatile in terms of turn shapes. I wouldnt read into it too much its not totally out of the ordinary, and the 8 at the very end of the tail is only in reference to the last few cms of the ski (i.e., an area that youd rarely actually be pressuring while skiing, due to the skis rockered tail). I ski the 192 rustler as my dd looking to add a the 108ti to my quiver. Jonathan: Unfortunately, with all this fresh pow weve been getting, I havent been able to get the 108Ti on much corduroy. Let it snow! The big ass orange with red flames Seth Morrison with a piezoelectric light was the most recent K2 ski I purchased. Following up my comment above, neither K2 or the seller (Ski Essentials) is interested in doing anything about the topsheets chipping badly if you even look at them sideways. (4) Will the Mindbender 108Ti feel most at home off piste, on piste, or equally comfortable in both? Just a heads up that I pulled the trigger on a pair of these in 186. Its certainly an interesting concept, especially if it works.

Sitemap 31

k2 mindbender 108ti skis 2022